[EmailPoster]

I am a teacher for junior high school students....

Originally Posted by T

I am a teacher for junior high school students. We produce a television show
in the morning of every school day. Having students whose parents have been
deployed to serve our country overseas, I would like to present a series of
broadcasts regarding our nations flag. I would like to know what each of the
thirteen folds represent when folding the flag and any other unique information
that is not common knowledge to most citizen of this Great Country. I didn't know
until this evening while watching the Travel Channel, that such meanings even
existed. I would like to promote pride in our nation and its flag and to
strengthen patriotism in our youth of today. Any assistance you can provide would
be greatly appreciated not only to me but to our future patriots.

Thank You so Much.

Sincerely,
Tricia

[sarahw]

Hi, Tricia,

There isn't really a meaning to the fact that the flag is folded 13 times to make a tri-folded flag (folded lengthwise twice, then folded 11 times to make the triangle shape). People have attached meaning to it, but when folding the flag in this manner originated, no one said, "Ooh, let's make each fold mean something." They just wanted to fold the flag.

It's like people say there are meanings behind the choice of red, white, and blue for the flag, or that those colors symbolized something to the founders. In reality, subsequent generations attached those meanings.

Here's a rundown of what some people say the 13 folds mean, courtesy of Snopes. I guess if you believe each fold has a meaning, it does, but there's no tradition behind it:

The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The thirteenth fold: When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto, "In God We Trust." After the Flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.